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Mezyan

Mezyan opened first in 2011 in Estral Center at the beginning of Hamra. A tapas / mezze restaurant and bar with a brick pizza oven, and a homey and artfully high-design feel, before tapas (that are not just Lebanese mezze) became popular. Immediately, Mezyan became a hit - the must go to location for Beirut’s young (and not so young), hip, usually lefty, intellectuals, artists, musicians, designers.

Now in an expanded and equally beautiful location in the Rasamny building further down Hamra street, Mezyan has maintained its status as a popular restaurant, cafe and bar for the hip intelligentsia. The interior decor is likewise welcoming: long wooden benches, and small tables which match the wall, bar and window trimmings in a large room of the main entrance. There is also a smaller alcove up a few stairs (which sometimes doubles as a smoking section), a little bit more seculuded from the otherwise open floor plan. Oriental themed light fixtures add a special touch, as do photographs of Cheikh Imam, Um Khalthoum and Che.

The menu still features a mix of Lebanese mezze (try the excellent batata harra @ 8,000LL) and Spanish / North African inspired Tapas. We recommend the baked feta with chili peppers (5,000LL), and the eggplant and labne (9,000). Salads are also always fresh and generous. Main entrees are likewise available, and change based on the chef’s inspiration; a plat du jour and other appetizer specialities are available most days. There is also a dessert of the day, alternating between gooey Arabic sweets and delectable cakes, if you want something sweet with your coffee.

Despite the lack of a happy hour, Mezyan is packed full most days. During the day time, diligent freelancers and students sip their coffee slowly, over their laptops. At dinner time, and later into the evening (even on weeknights), Mezyan’s main floor overflows with diners, birthday parties, and Mezyan’s die hard regulars. Live Music is often featured (from jazz, to heavy metal, to Arabic), and there is rarely a cover. Ziad Al Rahbani is known to pop in and play here from time to time, if he’s in the “mood” (wink, wink).